Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Greenwich Operations

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach of Gardening Greenwich to protect staff, contractors and clients during the delivery of gardening services. It applies to all Greenwich gardening services, including routine garden maintenance in Greenwich, seasonal projects and site-specific works. The policy promotes a safe working culture, clear responsibilities and consistent control measures to reduce risk in all landscape and horticultural activities.

Scope and Responsibilities

All employees, sub-contractors and supervisors engaged by the company must follow this policy. Managers are responsible for implementing safety systems, ensuring adequate training and monitoring compliance. Operatives must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, report hazards and use issued personal protective equipment. The policy is relevant to domestic and commercial landscaping, lawn care, hedge trimming and other Greenwich gardening operations.

Risk Assessment and Control

Before any work begins a proportionate risk assessment will be completed and documented for each job. The assessment identifies hazards such as moving machinery, manual handling, working at height, fuel and chemical storage, biological risks (e.g. ticks), and traffic on site. Control measures will include:

• Selection of appropriate PPE and its mandatory use where required.
• Safe systems of work, including isolation procedures for powered equipment.
• Clear exclusion zones around operating machinery and managed access for the public and clients.
• Safe handling, storage and application of approved pesticides and fertilizers.

Training and Competency — All staff will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher briefings. Competency checks are carried out for chainsaw work, ride-on mowers, strimmers and any specialist tasks. Greenwich gardeners engaged in tree work will hold appropriate qualifications and work under test-checked safe systems. Training records are maintained to ensure ongoing compliance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — The company provides and enforces the use of PPE proportionate to the risk: eye and ear protection, gloves, protective boots, hi-vis clothing and respiratory protection where dust or spray is present. PPE is maintained in good condition and replaced when worn or damaged. Staff are instructed on correct fitting and care of equipment.

Equipment, Vehicles and Tool Safety — All machinery used in garden care in Greenwich is regularly inspected and maintained. Portable tools are checked before use and defective equipment is taken out of service. Vehicles used for site attendance carry basic safety equipment, secure loads to prevent shifting and are operated only by authorised, licensed staff. Fuel and oils are stored safely and refuelling is performed away from ignition sources.

Chemical Use and Environmental Care

Chemicals are used only when necessary and in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Operators will follow safe mixing and application procedures, use approved products for the task and record applications. Spill kits are available and staff are trained to contain and report any release to protect soils, watercourses and wildlife. The company supports best practice in sustainable garden maintenance and aims to minimise chemical reliance.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any incident, near miss or injury must be reported promptly so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken. First aid provision and training are maintained across the workforce. In the event of a serious injury or emergency, staff must follow the site emergency plan, secure the area and contact emergency services if required. Accidents are investigated and lessons learned are used to update procedures.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement — The policy is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in work methods, equipment and regulatory expectations. Routine site checks, toolbox talks and management audits support continuous improvement. Performance is monitored through recorded inspections, training logs and incident analysis, ensuring the policy remains effective for all gardening projects in Greenwich and surrounding service areas.

Communication and Client Information — Clear safety information is provided to clients and site occupants where work may affect access or involve potential hazards. Operatives will explain relevant safety measures and request cooperation to maintain secure working zones. Where necessary, temporary barriers and signage are deployed to protect the public during maintenance tasks.

Health and welfare — The company recognises the importance of worker wellbeing. Provisions are made for rest breaks, hydration, sun protection and cold-weather measures as appropriate. Work schedules are planned to avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme conditions and to manage manual handling loads safely.

Conclusion: This Health and Safety policy provides a structured framework for safe delivery of gardening services. It is the responsibility of everyone engaged in the work to apply its principles every day. The commitment to safety supports reliable landscape and garden care in Greenwich, protects people and the environment, and underpins high-quality, professional service across all horticultural activities.